BBQ Meatballs
150kcal
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef 80% lean for juiciness
- ½ cup breadcrumbs preferably plain or Italian
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese adds flavor and moisture
- 1 large egg binds the mixture
- 2 cloves garlic minced for flavor
- 1 teaspoon onion powder for depth of flavor
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground for best flavor
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor
For the BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup base of the sauce
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar adds tanginess
- ¼ cup brown sugar for sweetness
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce adds umami
- 1 tablespoon mustard for a slight kick
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for additional smokiness
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder for flavor
- ½ teaspoon salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Method
Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the meatballs cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Mix the ingredients gently with your hands until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Make the BBQ Sauce
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently until it comes to a simmer. This helps meld the flavors together.
- Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This thickens the sauce slightly.
Combine and Serve
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large skillet.
- Pour the BBQ sauce over the meatballs, gently tossing to coat them evenly. This adds flavor and moisture.
- Heat the skillet over low heat for an additional 5 minutes to warm the sauce and meatballs together.
- Serve the BBQ meatballs warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. They can be served as an appetizer with toothpicks or over rice as a main dish.
Nutrition
Serving1meatballCalories150kcalCarbohydrates8gProtein10gFat8gSaturated Fat3gPolyunsaturated Fat0.5gMonounsaturated Fat4gCholesterol40mgSodium300mgPotassium200mgFiber0.5gSugar4gVitamin A200IUVitamin C1mgCalcium60mgIron1.5mg
Notes
These BBQ meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.